Wahhabism

Definition

Wahhabism is a conservative and fundamentalist Islamic movement founded in the 18th century by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in what is now Saudi Arabia. This movement emphasizes a strict interpretation of Islam, advocating for the return to the purest form of worship and the rejection of innovations, or bid'ah, that have crept into the practice of the faith. Wahhabism is closely linked to the rise of religious extremism, as it has often inspired radical groups that seek to impose its interpretation of Islam on others.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wahhabism was founded in the 18th century by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, who sought to purify Islam from practices he considered idolatrous or corrupt.
2. The movement gained significant power through an alliance with the House of Saud, which established the modern state of Saudi Arabia based on Wahhabi principles.
3. Wahhabism rejects many traditional practices in Islam, such as the veneration of saints and the use of tombs as places of worship, viewing them as forms of polytheism.
4. The spread of Wahhabism has been facilitated by Saudi Arabia's oil wealth, allowing it to fund mosques and educational institutions around the world promoting its ideology.
5. Wahhabism has faced criticism for fostering intolerance and extremist violence, leading to its association with various radical groups that claim to represent its teachings.

Review Questions

• How does Wahhabism's interpretation of Islam differ from more traditional practices within the religion?
  • Wahhabism differs significantly from more traditional interpretations of Islam by advocating for a return to what it sees as the purest form of worship. It rejects practices such as the veneration of saints and tombs, which it labels as idolatrous. Traditionalists might accept these practices as part of cultural expressions within Islam, but Wahhabism strictly opposes them, seeking to eliminate any perceived innovations or deviations from early Islamic teachings.
• Discuss the impact of Saudi Arabia's alliance with Wahhabism on global perceptions of Islam.
  • The alliance between Saudi Arabia and Wahhabism has greatly influenced global perceptions of Islam, often linking it with extremism due to the exportation of Wahhabi ideology through mosques and educational institutions worldwide. This association has led to a view that equates mainstream Islam with the intolerant aspects found in radical interpretations. Consequently, it has fostered misunderstandings and stereotypes about Muslims as a whole, overshadowing the diversity within Islamic thought and practice.
• Evaluate how Wahhabism's rise has contributed to contemporary issues related to religious extremism and terrorism.
  • Wahhabism's rise has played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary issues surrounding religious extremism and terrorism by providing a theological framework that justifies violence against those deemed apostates or non-believers. The movement's emphasis on purity and rejection of diverse Islamic practices has fueled sectarian tensions and given rise to groups that adopt its strict interpretation. This link between Wahhabism and radical jihadist movements highlights how its teachings can be manipulated to support violent agendas, exacerbating conflicts in various regions while further complicating global efforts towards peace and understanding.

Related terms

Salafism: A broader movement within Sunni Islam that seeks to emulate the practices of the earliest generations of Muslims, closely associated with Wahhabism in its fundamentalist approach.

Jihadism: A militant ideology that promotes armed struggle against perceived enemies of Islam, often drawing inspiration from Wahhabi interpretations of Islamic texts.

Takfir: A controversial practice within certain Islamist groups where one Muslim declares another to be an unbeliever, often used to justify violence against fellow Muslims.